Former Wolfpack signs with Panthers

2014 Greenbrier High School graduate Travis Martinez weighed his options and chose his passion just before July 4.

Martinez, who played football and baseball for the Wolfpack, had offers in both sports, but decided to play baseball for Division II Claflin University in Orangeburg, S.C.

“I had some offers for football but baseball was where my heart was at and my parents said go with what sport your heart wants and my heart wanted to play baseball,” Martinez said,

Martinez made his impression on the Panthers before the 2013-14 school year began.

“I didn’t pitch for Greenbrier this year but I pitched for the Under Armour National Team over the summer,” said the left-handed Martinez, who figures to pitch and be a designated hitter at the next level.

Claflin contacted Martinez before his senior season began, but he wanted to wait to make a decision between the Panthers and Shorter University.

“It’s pretty much the fact they wanted me to pitch and DH,” Martinez said of the difference-maker. “At Shorter, they just wanted me to pitch and that was it. I love to hit. That’s all I did for Greenbrier was DH. I loved being at the plate.”

Claflin head coach James Randall is looking forward to having Martinez on the squad.

“We are excited about the future with Travis,” said Randall. “Even though he didn’t play much his senior year, he was definitely an asset to a team that went deep into the state playoffs. His talents were really noticeable his first three years at Greenbrier. As a left hander, he should develop into a good college player.”

The baseball team and its setting was another prime draw for Martinez.

“I just like that the campus is not too big, it’s not too small,” said the future business management major. “I was talking to the baseball coach and the baseball team is a prime thing that all the students go to support. It’s a real close-knit family and everybody knows everybody on the campus and around the city of Orangeburg.”